"Someone said to Him, 'I will be Your follower wherever You go.' " —Luke 9:57

When someone volunteered to be Jesus' disciple, Jesus immediately told him not to expect a roof over his head (Lk 9:58). Jesus clearly expects His disciples to love unconditionally and to expect nothing but the cross (see Lk 9:23).

Jesus called another man to be His disciple. The man accepted the call but said that he would have to wait until after his elderly father died (Lk 9:59). Jesus implied that, if anyone delayed in being His disciple, that man was spiritually dead (Lk 9:60).

Another person volunteered to be Jesus' disciple. He just needed to go home and say "goodbye" to his family (Lk 9:61). Jesus maintained that anyone who did not make discipleship far more important than all other relationships was not fit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62).

Being a disciple of Jesus is radical, total, unconditional, and sacrificial. Are you Jesus' disciple on His terms? If so, you are making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). Decide to be Jesus' disciple now — no matter what.

Prayer: Jesus, if I am Your disciple, I will make disciples who disciple others. I will follow You and take up Your cross.

Praise: St. Therese saw with the eyes of love as she did every little thing with the heart of a child for love of Jesus.

(For related teaching, order our leaflet, The Challenge of Making Disciples in a Culture of Death or our audio AV97-1, AV97-3 or our video V-97.)

Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2014 through November 30, 2014.†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 24, 2014.

The Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.